What are the common types of left hand injuries. How are left hand injuries caused. What symptoms indicate a left hand injury. How are left hand injuries treated. Why are left-handed individuals at higher risk for hand trauma.

Understanding Left Hand Injuries: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Left hand injuries are a significant concern in both occupational and everyday settings. A study published in the Journal of Hand Surgery examined the relationship between hand dominance and the risk of major hand injuries. The research revealed some surprising findings about left-handed individuals and their susceptibility to hand trauma.

Are left-handed people more prone to hand injuries. The study found that among patients treated for digital amputation, 35% were left-handed. This is a strikingly high percentage considering that left-handed individuals make up only about 10% of the general population. In fact, the data suggests that left-handed people have a relative risk of sustaining an amputating injury that is 4.9 times greater than right-handed individuals.

What factors contribute to this increased risk for left-handed people. Several factors may play a role:

• Tools and equipment predominantly designed for right-handed use
• Workplace layouts that favor right-handed orientations
• Potential differences in spatial awareness or motor control
• Societal adaptations that may put left-handed individuals at a disadvantage in certain tasks

Common Types of Left Hand Injuries

Left hand injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma requiring surgical intervention. Some of the most common types include:

1. Lacerations and cuts
2. Fractures and broken bones
3. Tendon injuries
4. Ligament sprains and tears
5. Nerve damage
6. Crush injuries
7. Amputations

Which type of injury is most severe for left-handed individuals. According to the study, amputating injuries were particularly prevalent among left-handed patients. The research found that left-handed individuals were more likely to suffer an amputating injury to their dominant hand compared to right-handed people (70% vs. 51%, respectively).

Causes of Left Hand Injuries: Occupational and Everyday Hazards

Left hand injuries can occur in various settings, from workplaces to homes. Understanding the common causes can help in prevention efforts.

Occupational Hazards

Many left hand injuries occur in work environments, particularly those involving manual labor or the use of machinery. What is the most common mechanism of amputating injury. The study identified power saws as the leading cause of amputating injuries. Other occupational hazards include:

• Heavy machinery and equipment
• Cutting tools
• Crushing mechanisms
• Repetitive motion tasks
• Chemical exposure

Everyday Accidents

Outside of work environments, left hand injuries can result from various everyday activities:

• Sports and recreational activities
• Home improvement projects
• Cooking and food preparation
• Falls and accidents
• Car accidents

Recognizing Symptoms of Left Hand Injuries

Prompt recognition of hand injury symptoms is crucial for timely treatment and optimal recovery. What are the key symptoms to watch for in left hand injuries?

• Pain: Ranging from mild discomfort to severe, throbbing pain
• Swelling: Often immediate and can be localized or affect the entire hand
• Bruising: Indicative of internal bleeding or tissue damage
• Deformity: Visible misalignment of fingers or hand structure
• Limited mobility: Difficulty moving fingers or wrist
• Numbness or tingling: Potential signs of nerve damage
• Weakness: Reduced grip strength or difficulty holding objects
• Visible wounds: Cuts, punctures, or exposed bone in severe cases

How quickly should one seek medical attention for a left hand injury? It’s advisable to seek immediate medical care for any injury that causes severe pain, significant swelling, or visible deformity. Even seemingly minor injuries can have serious underlying damage, particularly if they affect movement or sensation.

Treatment Approaches for Left Hand Injuries

The treatment of left hand injuries varies widely depending on the type and severity of the injury. What are the primary goals of left hand injury treatment?

1. Pain management
2. Wound healing
3. Restoring function and mobility
4. Preventing complications
5. Rehabilitation

Non-Surgical Treatments

For minor to moderate injuries, non-surgical treatments may be sufficient:

• Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) therapy
• Immobilization with splints or casts
• Pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs
• Physical therapy and occupational therapy
• Hand exercises to improve strength and flexibility

Surgical Interventions

Severe injuries, particularly those involving amputations, fractures, or significant soft tissue damage, may require surgical treatment. What surgical procedures are commonly used for left hand injuries?

• Fracture repair: Internal fixation with pins, plates, or screws
• Tendon repair: Reattaching or grafting damaged tendons
• Nerve repair: Microsurgery to restore nerve function
• Skin grafts: For extensive soft tissue damage
• Replantation: Reattaching amputated digits or hand parts
• Reconstructive surgery: For complex injuries affecting multiple structures

Prevention Strategies for Left Hand Injuries

Given the higher risk of hand injuries among left-handed individuals, prevention strategies are crucial. How can the risk of left hand injuries be reduced?

1. Workplace modifications:
   • Redesigning tools and equipment for ambidextrous use
   • Adjusting assembly lines and workstations to accommodate left-handed workers
   • Providing left-handed versions of common tools
2. Enhanced safety measures:
   • Implementing additional safety guards on machinery
   • Providing specialized training for left-handed workers
   • Encouraging the use of appropriate personal protective equipment
3. Awareness and education:
   • Educating workers about the specific risks faced by left-handed individuals
   • Promoting hand safety in all environments, including homes and recreational settings
4. Ergonomic considerations:
   • Developing ergonomic guidelines that account for hand dominance
   • Encouraging regular breaks and stretching to prevent repetitive strain injuries

Rehabilitation and Recovery After Left Hand Injury

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the recovery process following a left hand injury. What are the key components of an effective rehabilitation program?

• Physical therapy: To improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion
• Occupational therapy: To relearn daily activities and work-related tasks
• Hand therapy: Specialized treatment focusing on hand function and dexterity
• Pain management techniques: Including massage, heat/cold therapy, and electrical stimulation
• Adaptive equipment training: Learning to use tools designed for injured or recovering hands
• Psychological support: Addressing the emotional impact of hand injuries, particularly in cases of permanent disability

How long does recovery from a left hand injury typically take? The recovery timeline varies greatly depending on the nature and severity of the injury. Minor injuries may heal within a few weeks, while severe injuries, such as amputations or complex fractures, can require months or even years of rehabilitation.

Stages of Recovery

1. Acute phase: Immediate treatment and pain management
2. Immobilization: Protecting the injury during initial healing
3. Early mobilization: Gentle exercises to prevent stiffness
4. Strengthening: Progressive exercises to rebuild muscle and improve function
5. Functional training: Relearning and adapting to daily activities
6. Return to work/normal activities: Gradual reintegration with potential modifications

What factors influence the success of left hand injury rehabilitation? Several factors can impact the recovery process:

• Age and overall health of the patient
• Severity and location of the injury
• Timeliness of initial treatment
• Adherence to rehabilitation protocols
• Presence of complications or secondary conditions
• Patient motivation and support system

Long-Term Implications of Left Hand Injuries

Left hand injuries, particularly severe ones, can have lasting impacts on an individual’s life. What are the potential long-term consequences of a serious left hand injury?

• Chronic pain: Persistent discomfort that may require ongoing management
• Reduced function: Limitations in hand strength, dexterity, or range of motion
• Sensory changes: Altered sensation or numbness in affected areas
• Cosmetic concerns: Visible scars or deformities that may affect self-image
• Occupational challenges: Difficulty returning to previous work roles or need for career changes
• Psychological impact: Depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress related to the injury
• Lifestyle adjustments: Need for adaptive equipment or assistance with daily activities

How can individuals cope with the long-term effects of left hand injuries? Coping strategies may include:

1. Ongoing physical and occupational therapy to maintain and improve function
2. Pain management techniques, including medication, therapy, and alternative treatments
3. Psychological counseling to address emotional and mental health concerns
4. Support groups for individuals with similar injuries
5. Vocational rehabilitation to explore new career options if necessary
6. Adaptive technology and equipment to assist with daily tasks
7. Regular medical follow-ups to monitor progress and address any new issues

Can left hand function be fully restored after a severe injury? The extent of recovery depends on various factors, including the nature of the injury and the quality of treatment and rehabilitation. While some individuals may regain near-normal function, others may experience permanent limitations. However, advances in surgical techniques, rehabilitation methods, and assistive technologies continue to improve outcomes for many patients with left hand injuries.

Advances in Left Hand Injury Treatment and Research

The field of hand surgery and rehabilitation is constantly evolving, with new techniques and technologies emerging to improve outcomes for patients with left hand injuries. What are some of the recent advancements in this area?

• Microsurgical techniques: Allowing for more precise repairs of nerves and blood vessels
• 3D-printed prosthetics: Custom-designed replacements for amputated digits or hands
• Nerve transfer procedures: Redirecting functioning nerves to restore sensation and movement
• Tissue engineering: Development of lab-grown tissues for transplantation
• Virtual reality rehabilitation: Engaging and effective therapy tools for hand function recovery
• Robotic assistance: Devices that aid in precise surgical procedures and rehabilitation exercises
• Targeted muscle reinnervation: Improving control of prosthetic devices

How are these advancements impacting the treatment of left hand injuries? These innovations are leading to:

1. Improved surgical outcomes with less invasive procedures
2. Faster recovery times and reduced complications
3. Better functional outcomes, particularly for severe injuries
4. More personalized treatment plans based on individual patient needs
5. Enhanced quality of life for patients with long-term disabilities

What future developments can we expect in left hand injury treatment? Ongoing research is focusing on several promising areas:

• Stem cell therapies for tissue regeneration
• Advanced biomaterials for better integration of prosthetics
• Brain-computer interfaces for improved prosthetic control
• Genetic therapies to enhance nerve regeneration
• Artificial intelligence applications in diagnostic imaging and treatment planning

As research continues, the outlook for patients with left hand injuries continues to improve, offering hope for better outcomes and quality of life.

Left-hand dominance and hand trauma

. 1995 Nov;20(6):1043-6.

doi: 10.1016/S0363-5023(05)80157-1.

J S Taras 
¹
, M J Behrman, G G Degnan

Affiliations

Affiliation

• ¹ Philadelphia Hand Center, PA 19107, USA.

• PMID:

  8583055

• DOI:

  10.1016/S0363-5023(05)80157-1

J S Taras et al.

J Hand Surg Am.

1995 Nov.

. 1995 Nov;20(6):1043-6.

doi: 10.1016/S0363-5023(05)80157-1.

Authors

J S Taras 
¹
, M J Behrman, G G Degnan

Affiliation

• ¹ Philadelphia Hand Center, PA 19107, USA.

• PMID:

  8583055

• DOI:

  10.1016/S0363-5023(05)80157-1

Abstract

To investigate the relationship between hand dominance and the risk of major hand injury, the case records of 125 patients who had been treated for digital amputation were retrospectively reviewed. A second group of 116 patients treated for minor hand trauma was similarly evaluated. The incidence of left-hand dominance among the digital amputation group was 35%, and among the minor trauma group the incidence was 11%. The left-handed were more likely to have an amputating injury of their dominant hand than were the right-handed (70% compared with 51%, respectively). The most common mechanism of amputating injury was by power saw. The present data suggest that left-handed individuals have a relative risk of sustaining an amputating injury that is 4.9 times greater than the right-handed individuals, while minor hand trauma occurs at rates proportional to the distribution of left handedness within the population. Additional safety measures and the redesigning of tools, assembly lines, and workstations are recommended to help decrease the incidence of serious hand injury among left-handed individuals.

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MeSH terms

Wrist, hand and finger problems

Wrist, hand and finger problems can cause a range of symptoms including:

• pain
• swelling and stiffness
• pins and needles or numbness

In many cases, new pain or a flare-up of long-standing wrist, hand and finger problems should begin to settle within 6 weeks without the need to see a healthcare professional.

What causes wrist, hand and finger problems?

Problems with the wrist, hand, and fingers are common and can be caused by simple things like carrying out repetitive tasks or an injury during sport or a fall.

As you get older, normal age-related changes can cause your wrist, hand or finger problem to flare-up now and again, often for no reason.

Can wrist, hand and finger pain cause problems elsewhere?

You may feel pain and stiffness in your forearm. This should improve as your problem gets better.

Sometimes you can experience altered sensation like pins and needles or numbness in your hand or fingers when the nerve is the irritated. If you have these symptoms speak to your GP.

Occasionally, problems felt in your wrist, hand or fingers can be due to a neck problem. This can happen even when you don’t feel pain in your neck. People with this sort of problem often describe the pain as pins and needles, sharp, hot or burning pain.

If you have any of these symptoms it would be helpful to read about neck problems.

Self-help

There are a number of things you can do to help your wrist, hand or finger problem.

Keeping your wrist, hand and fingers moving is an essential part of your treatment and recovery.

How to get moving

Within the first 24 to 48 hours after your wrist, hand or finger problem has started you should try to:

• reduce your activities but move as much as your symptoms allow
• put your hand in a supported position if it’s comfortable, when resting
• move the area gently for 10 to 20 seconds every hour when you’re awake

After 48 hours:

• try to use your hand more – exercise really helps and can relieve pain
• do whatever you normally would and stay at, or return to work – this is important and is the best way to get better

It’s beneficial to do specific exercises that can help in your recovery. They may be challenging at the beginning so just do what you can and try to build it up over time.

Exercises to help with wrist, hand and finger problems

Benefits of keeping active

Keeping active’s the single best thing you can do for your general health.

Being physically active can:

• maintain your current levels of fitness – even if you have to modify what you normally do, any activity is better than none
• keep your other muscles and joints strong and flexible
• prevent a recurrence of the problem
• help you aim for a healthy body weight

Avoid sports or heavy lifting until you have less discomfort and good movement. Remember to warm up fully before you start sporting activities.

Pain treatments

The following can help to reduce the pain:

• pain medication – this can help you move more comfortably, which can help your recovery
• heat or ice packs

More about taking painkillers.

Treating with ice or heat

Heat or ice can be beneficial in the management of musculoskeletal pain.

Ice is most beneficial if your wrist, finger or hand problem is related to an injury. You can try heat to help your pain levels if there’s no swelling and your symptoms are not related to a recent injury.

Never place ice or heat directly on your skin. Use a barrier, like a towel, to protect your skin from a burn.

How long you use ice as a treatment can vary. However, you should generally apply heat or ice for up to 15 minutes. You should also leave a few hours between treatments.

You should stop treating the area with ice or heat and seek advice from a medical professional if you notice an increase in redness, discolouration or blistering of the skin.

If you have any issues with circulation or sensation, you shouldn’t use ice or heat as a treatment for wrist, hand or finger pain.

Work

It’s recommended you stay at or return to work as quickly as possible during your recovery. You don’t need to be pain and symptom-free to return to work.

Help and support

Following this advice, you should see gradual improvements over time.

You should see the biggest change in your symptoms within the first couple of weeks. Most problems should have improved within 6 weeks.

If your wrist, or hand and finger problem hasn’t improved within 6 weeks of following this advice, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional about your symptoms.

Find out how to access MSK services in your area.

causes, diagnosis, treatment in Yaroslavl

Hand injuries can be different, both in the location and in the nature of the damage. They occur in everyday life, during sports and professional activities. Injuries, hands can lead to structural changes in tissues, up to sprains and fractures. Therefore, immediately after traumatization, it is recommended to contact a traumatologist who will prescribe an X-ray examination and other diagnostic methods to make an accurate diagnosis and assess the degree of damage to the limb.

In the Clinic “CONSTANTA” you are always ready to receive qualified specialists in the field of traumatology with rich practical experience. Even if it seems to you that the hand injury is minor and you can get by with home treatment, it’s not worth the risk – it’s better to visit a doctor who will conduct an examination and assess the extent of the damage. Our Clinic is considered one of the best in Yaroslavl, as we have innovative equipment that is actively used for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Competent employees are always ready to discuss with the patient the questions of interest to him and provide qualified medical assistance in the framework of a particular clinical case.

How do hand injuries appear?

Symptoms of hand injuries depend primarily on the degree of damage. Contrary to popular belief, some patients do not feel severe pain even with arm fractures. Therefore, without professional skills and knowledge, the patient cannot visually determine what kind of injury has been received.

The main signs of a hand injury:

• soreness at the site of injury;
• puffiness;
• hematoma formation;
• restricted mobility;
• tissue redness;
• local temperature increase.

Immediately after the damage, carefully inspect the brush: are there deep abrasions, cuts on the skin, are bone fragments visible. Even if the integrity of the skin is not broken, before contacting a doctor, carry out an antiseptic treatment. Use any antiseptic you have at home – hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, diluted alcohol. Wipe or irrigate the area with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of secondary infection. Then apply a non-tight sterile bandage and go to an appointment with a traumatologist.

Many patients cannot accurately describe the mechanism of injury. If the pain intensifies even after first aid, the specialist may suspect the development of a compartment syndrome, which is characterized by an increase in pressure in the fascial space. A common cause of the development of compartment syndrome is shrapnel damage, which often leads to malnutrition of muscle tissue and the spread of the infectious process.

In most cases, hand injuries are not accompanied by prolonged pain and a high risk of complications. The most dangerous are open injuries, which can be complicated by the addition of an infection and occur with severe circulatory disorders (ischemia). In such cases, prompt medical attention is needed. Only a qualified specialist can assess the degree of damage to the soft and hard tissues of the hand, identify hidden and obvious blood flow disorders and injuries of large or small vessels.

Fortunately, up to 70% of hand bruises are mild and do not require hospitalization or serious treatment. Most often, patients injure their fingers during sports training and solving everyday problems. With age, bone density decreases, so even slight behavior or compression can lead to a crack or fracture.

Hand injuries often occur in childhood. They arise as a result of active games, during physical education. The problem of early diagnosis of injuries in children is that the child often cannot specifically describe his feelings and evaluate them. Even with cracks and fractures, some babies do not complain of severe pain, and sometimes children cry for a long time from a slight bruise, greatly frightening their parents. It is better to play it safe and still contact a specialist so that the doctor examines the site of damage and, if necessary, prescribes additional diagnostics.

Tendon injuries of the hand

Tendons are characterized by increased elasticity and ability to stretch. When muscle tissue contracts, it is the tendon that pulls the bone along with it, providing active movement. With tendon injuries, motor activity is sharply limited – the patient cannot bend and unbend the hand. Complete tendon ruptures require surgery. It should be carried out in the first few hours after the injury.

Wrist bruises

The classic bruise of the soft tissues of the hand is very common in the practice of traumatologists. It is accompanied by reddening of the tissue, moderate soreness and swelling, local fever. and no serious treatment is required in this case. Specialists are limited to local anesthetics, which help to quickly relieve swelling and relieve pain.

If, in addition to a bruise, a violation of the integrity of tissues is detected, it is necessary to use antiseptics, and, if necessary, antibacterial agents. This will prevent the spread of infection. In some cases, it is required to immobilize the limb until the diagnosis is clarified.

The quality of primary antiseptic treatment directly affects the purity of infectious complications. Many patients do not pay attention to the need to decontaminate the injury site before meeting with a traumatologist. After treatment with an antiseptic and dressing, it is recommended to apply dry cold to reduce the risk of bleeding and the formation of a large hematoma.

Fractures of the bones of the hand

The share of fractures of the bones of the hand accounts for up to 30% of all injuries of the skeletal system. As a rule, the injury occurs in everyday life, when falling with an emphasis on the brush. There may be a fracture of the wrist, phalanges of the fingers or metacarpal bones. An accurate diagnosis can be established by the results of an X-ray examination. Most often, specialists encounter bone fractures as a result of accidental injuries or when heavy objects fall on the hand.

Fractures of the metacarpal bones are open and closed, with and without signs of displacement, multiple, single, intra-articular and extra-articular. They can be combined with damage to other structures of the hand. Medical tactics are selected individually, based on examination data, taking into account the general well-being of the patient, his age and the nature of the damage. Diagnosis of hand injuries includes taking an anamnesis and conducting certain diagnostic studies. During the examination and communication with the patient, the doctor finds out the approximate time of the injury, the patient’s complaints, determines the presence or absence of movement restrictions.

Dislocations of the hand

Dislocation in the wrist joint occurs mainly during falls with an emphasis on the hand or during a direct blow with a fist or a heavy object. Also, the injury occurs with a strong arching of the hand. After injury, the patient complains of sharp pain in the area of ​​the wrist joint. Visually, you can determine the pronounced swelling of the tissues and severe pain during palpation. Motor activity in the joint is sharply limited. If during the injury there was compression of the median nerve, then there will be a loss of sensitivity in the innervated zone.

First aid for bruises and other injuries of the hand

Immediately after the injury, the patient should make sure that he received a minor bruise and that no bones are visible at the site of the injury. The wound is washed with warm water and soap, gently dried and antiseptic treatment is carried out. Then you need to apply dry ice for 5-10 minutes. After this time, the hand must be examined again, check the activity of the fingers and the range of motion.

In case of damage to the hand with a violation of the integrity of the skin, it is necessary to apply a bandage from a sterile bandage. When properly applied, the bandage completely covers the damaged tissue, does not hinder movement and does not cause any pain. Make sure that the bandage does not squeeze the skin. If the tissues begin to turn blue, sensitivity decreases, this indicates that the bandage must be urgently loosened or replaced.

Dry ice should be applied every hour for 5-10 minutes. Usually this is enough to reduce pain and prevent the appearance of a hematoma. Intermittent cold therapy is effective for minor bruises and injuries. More serious injuries require specialist advice and a comprehensive examination.

The main tasks of the first emergency aid for injuries of the hand:

• limb immobilization to prevent the development of complications;
• stop bleeding from a wound;
• prophylactic antiseptic treatment;
• reduction of swelling, pain, signs of an inflammatory reaction.

Patients are not always able to give themselves first aid for hand injuries, especially if the wound is bleeding and there is a pronounced pain syndrome. If you cannot adequately assess the complexity of the situation and your condition, it is recommended that you immediately contact medical professionals. They themselves will carry out antiseptic treatment, relieve pain and, if necessary, use immobilization.

Treatment of hand injuries

Tactics of treatment for injuries of the hand is selected individually, depending on the degree of damage. Closed soft tissue injuries are treated on an outpatient basis, using special tight bandages that help with sprains and joint damage. Additionally, the use of warm compresses is recommended, but their use is prohibited in the first three days after injury (due to the risk of infection and bleeding).

To reduce pain, local remedies with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties are used. Cold is applied for 2-3 days, and after that you can use heat compresses on medical alcohol. It is allowed to apply warming ointments to injured tissues to quickly dissolve bruises and reduce pain.

In case of damage to the joints and bones, immobilizing and plaster bandages are used for a period of two weeks. A good therapeutic effect for hand injuries has physiotherapy, which includes various procedures: UHF, electrophoresis using a 10% calcium chloride solution or 0. 5% novocaine, diadynamic currents.

Patients with injuries of soft and hard tissues of the hand need to be examined by a qualified specialist. As a rule, it is enough to adhere to the general recommendations of a traumatologist in order to quickly recover. It is necessary to limit physical activity for the first 2 weeks, to protect the injured hand from negative external influences. The patient is prescribed cold, rest and elevated position of the limb. Often, for injuries, compression is used with elastic bandages, elastic bandages or splints. The first day the hand should be in an elevated position to ensure effective lymph circulation and prevent the occurrence of edema.

In the case of using a plaster cast, it is necessary to inspect the skin around the cast daily in order to detect areas with inflammation or discoloration of the tissues in time. If you notice cyanosis of the skin, you need to seek medical help to restore the normal blood supply to the tissues. If tissue areas with signs of an inflammatory reaction are found, it is recommended to use special lotions with anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects.

Patients who suspect that they have a dislocation of the hand should immediately contact a traumatologist. The doctor will reposition the hand after high-quality anesthesia, and then fix the joint from the elbow to the base of the fingers with a plaster splint. If, even after reduction, the doctor determines the instability of the joint, additional fixation with Kirschner wires will have to be used. Compression of the median nerve requires surgery.

Rehabilitation after hand injuries

Rehabilitation is a mandatory step in the treatment of hand injuries. Rehabilitation measures may include physiotherapy techniques, massage, spa therapy, physiotherapy exercises, warming compresses, the use of therapeutic ointments. The effectiveness of rehabilitation depends on the motor activity and quality of life of the patient in the future. For the first months after the end of treatment, it is forbidden to expose the brush to increased physical exertion.

In our Clinic in Yaroslavl, you will be provided with the necessary assistance with hand injuries of any complexity. We are ready to answer all your questions and provide high-quality information support.

To ask questions or sign up for a consultation with a specialist, please call:
(4852) 37-00-85
Daily from 8:00 to 20:00

Injuries / tears / avulsions of the flexor and extensor tendons of the fingers – Hand injuries – Treatment and recovery

For the proper functioning of the hand, the coordinated work of the flexor and extensor tendons of the fingers is necessary. There are no muscles in the fingers, so their flexion and extension is realized due to the tendons of the muscles that are located on the forearm. The flexor tendons are located on the palmar surface of the hand, the extensor tendons are located on the back side directly under the skin. Each finger has two flexor tendons, superficial and deep. The deep flexor attaches to the nail phalanges and is responsible for bending them, while the superficial flexor attaches to the middle phalanges. Injuries to the flexors and extensors of the fingers are quite common due to the predominantly superficial location of the tendons. When the flexors of the fingers are injured, the end of the tendon located proximally is pulled, because of this it is very difficult to find the ends of the tendon when it breaks. When the extensor is injured, the tendon practically does not move, therefore, it is easier to treat.

Types of injuries

• Tears and avulsions of tendons
  Injuries to the flexors and extensors of the fingers of the hand are accompanied by a violation of their integrity with direct or indirect impact. In case of damage, a rupture and complete detachment of the tendon from its place of attachment to the bone fragment is possible.

  Injury Qualification:

  • Open and closed – depending on the violation of the integrity of the skin
  • Partial and complete – depending on the degree of damage
  • Fresh, stale and old – depending on the statute of limitations of the injury
  • Combined, isolated, and multiple – depending on the number of lesions
• Inflammatory processes
  • Tenosynovitis of the hand is an acute or chronic inflammation that occurs in the synovial membranes of the fibrous sheaths of the tendons of the muscles of the hand and fingers. Tendovaginitis is accompanied by a crunch during movements, a slight swelling along the affected tendon sheath
  • Tenosynovitis (or de Quervain’s disease) is a disease in which inflammation of the tendons of the thumb occurs. The pain associated with this ailment arises from the friction of the swollen tendons against the walls of the tunnel intended for their movement, at the base of the thumb and under it, as well as along the edge of the wrist joint. It is manifested by aching pain in the wrist area.
  • Knott’s disease (trigger finger, spring finger) is a disease of the flexor tendons of the fingers and the surrounding ligaments, the characteristic feature of which is a clicking that occurs when the fingers move. As the disease progresses, finger extension becomes almost impossible.

Symptoms

With ruptures or separations, the following symptoms are observed:

• If the tendons on the palmar surface of the hand or fingers are damaged, there is a violation of the flexion function, due to which the fingers are in an overextended state
• Injuries to the dorsum of the hand impair the extension function of one or more fingers
• Finger numbness and other sensory disturbances (with nerve damage)
• Finger deformity
• Edema
• Hemorrhage
• Tendon injury
• Visible soft tissue injury (open injury)

Which doctor to contact

• Traumatologist-orthopedist
• Surgeon

Diagnostics

• Detailed examination by a traumatologist of the injury site, diagnostic tests (flexion-extension of the fingers in one sequence or another)
• X-ray of fingers
• Ultrasound examination (ultrasound)
• Magnetic resonance imaging

Treatment

With damage to the extensor, two treatment options are possible: conservative and surgical. Damage at the level of the fingers can be cured without surgery, but subject to prolonged wearing of a cast or plastic splint. In all other cases, as well as with injuries of the flexor tendons, surgical treatment is indicated. The operation is a complex surgical intervention, often using microsurgical techniques. It consists in dissecting the skin and suturing the ends of the torn tendon under local or conduction anesthesia. In the postoperative period, the arm is necessarily fixed with a plaster cast.

When the ends of the tendons are crushed or torn, they are excised. In order to avoid postoperative flexion contracture, operations are performed to lengthen the tendon in the tendon-muscular part or its Z-shaped lengthening proximal to the area of ​​damage.

In some cases, with chronic injuries of the flexor tendons of the fingers (the presence of tendon defects 2 or more centimeters long), the patient is shown tendon plasty, or plasty with preliminary formation of the tendon canal using temporary tendon arthroplasty with a silicone endoprosthesis.